Wireless systems - pros and cons

[LBS-bass]

I want to go wireless. I've seen a number of systems, have read up on some of the issues with various systems, and I lean a few different ways. Here are my issues (aka stupid questions):

1) I don't mind spending a little money for a high end system like the Shure. However... I am not thrilled with the clip-on design of the transmitter, because I am a girl and I wear dresses a lot on stage, which leaves not much to clip on to. Except maybe my guitar strap? For those who have these kinds of systems, does that seem like it would work? If not, what's the solution?

2) The less expensive systems with the small, 1/4" plug-in tx and rx units seem to be very popular. One guitarist I work with is using one and he seems to have no problems with it. But I have read that there can be problems with active basses, and all of my basses are active or at least active/passive. I don't have any fully passive basses. I've also read that these systems can be more prone to dropouts and interference with other units. Is it worth trying this system first to see if it suits my needs, or should I just go with the more expensive one, assuming I can clip it onto my strap?

 

[Ronzo]

@LBS-bass,my experience with most wireless systems over the last decades hasn’t been great, but the newer 5.8 GHz systems have been more promising. I have an Ammoon 5.8 system I’ve used for about 6 months now, and I have had no issues at all with it in rehearsal or in my worship use. Under 60 bucks on Amazon: ammoon Wireless Guitar System 4 Channels Audio Digital Guitar Transmitter Receiver 300 Feet Transmission Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MC7ZW9T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_2cRPDb83PAP4M

Works just fine with my two active Squier Jaguar basses.

 

[LBS-bass]

Thanks. I may consider those, the price is certainly good enough for an inexpensive trial.

 

[jeff62]

The clip on works fine on a guitar strap or equally as well on the back pocket on a pair of jeans.

 

[JimmyM]

I use one of those wireless pouches that attaches to my strap with velcro strips. Before that I'd duct tape it to the strap. I hate wearing it on my clothing. That's just asking for a broken cord. I've also found you get what you pay for when it comes to wireless. I use the Line 6 G70 and it's been bulletproof whether using active or passive. I'm not the least bit interested in those little ones because I've seen too many of them have problems.

 

[kcducttaper]

That Ammoon device looks interesting. At first glance, I would want the receiver powered by my pedalboard and not by its own battery. Sunday mornings, my pedal board can be on for 5 hours or more and it would be awfully distracting and annoying to have to bend down and turn it off after every set instead of just rocking my volume pedal down and turning of my transmitter once I'm off stage.

 

[ebo]

I started out with a cheap $50 Nady wireless and never had a single issue with it until it died. I went without for awhile and decided to take the plunge again, and went with an AKG mini pro ($100+-). I have no problems with it and I use mostly active basses. Both of mine had power cords for the receiver. I absolutely love the freedom of being cordless, but it is one more battery you have to worry about. I only use it if it’s a situation where I have the ability to move around. Great for doing sound checks around the room if there isn’t a dedicated sound person.

 

[Obese Chess]

I also have a Line 6 G70, I put it in a neoprene pouch on my strap. Bulletproof construction, no noticeable difference in tone over a cable, easy setup, great range, no problems with my Dingwall with hilariously hot pickups. I highly recommend it.

 

[kcducttaper]

Is there such a thing as a receiver that is also a charging dock for a transmitter? I.E. When I'm playing a show, I've got my wireless setup going as usual, but for practicing at home and what not, I could just dock my wireless pack to let it charge up while I'm cabled in. Seems that would be a handy alternative to worrying about tx batteries.

 

[Obese Chess]

Is there such a thing as a receiver that is also a charging dock for a transmitter? I.E. When I'm playing a show, I've got my wireless setup going as usual, but for practicing at home and what not, I could just dock my wireless pack to let it charge up while I'm cabled in. Seems that would be a handy alternative to worrying about tx batteries.

I believe the smaller Line 6 units function this way.

 

[dreamadream99]

Pro: you’re mobile
Con: signal interference

All wireless products—no matter how expensive—will never be as reliable as a cord. They are prone to interference from fluorescent lights, FM radio, cordless phones, and interruptions in line of sight.

 

[BossOnBass]

I use a Line6 G30, which clips on to my strap perfectly. I have a thin, but rather wide, strap which I think helps it stay clipped on while I do my bass player dance thing. Never fell or even moved around while I was using it.

Now the same unit it has fallen off of two other people's straps when I loaned it out. I didn't see how they clipped it on but they must have done something differently. If u have doubts try using the pouch option that was already mentioned.

 

[mesaplayer83]

Pro: you’re mobile
Con: signal interference

All wireless products—no matter how expensive—will never be as reliable as a cord. They are prone to interference from fluorescent lights, FM radio, cordless phones, and interruptions in line of sight.

I've been strictly wireless for over 10 years now, thru literally thousands of shows - I have seen bandmates have FAR more troubles with their cables during that time period than I've ever had with any of my wireless systems... Frankly, I don't think you know what you're talking about - when you say:

"prone to interference from fluorescent lights, FM radio, cordless phones, "

... it's obvious that you haven't used a decent wireless unit...

 

[mesaplayer83]

FWIW, I've been using an XDR-95 and a pair of XDS-PLUS units for over 10 years - I average 100+ shows per year... I've thought about "upgrading" them a few times over the years, but they've been stone reliable... I used this setup for an acoustic duo gig with a Breedlove AEB on Friday night - no DI necessary:

 

[JimmyM]

FWIW, I've been using an XDR-95 and a pair of XDS-PLUS units for over 10 years - I average 100+ shows per year... I've thought about "upgrading" them a few times over the years, but they've been stone reliable... I used this setup for an acoustic duo gig with a Breedlove AEB on Friday night - no DI necessary:View attachment 3577125

I have two of the little X2 wirelesses where the receiver was the size of the transmitter and they've worked solid for me for 11 years, although they have line of sight issues. No problem...usually moving them a little takes care of the worst of it. But they also operate on a frequency that's only legal in the US, so that's why Line 6 discontinued them and made the Relay series.

 

[Razman]

FWIW, I've been using an XDR-95 and a pair of XDS-PLUS units for over 10 years - I average 100+ shows per year... I've thought about "upgrading" them a few times over the years, but they've been stone reliable... I used this setup for an acoustic duo gig with a Breedlove AEB on Friday night - no DI necessary:View attachment 3577125

I just picked up one of these units off CL for a great price and love that it works on 900MHz, has less competition with other wireless devices. Haven’t used it much yet but can’t wait to give it some action.

Raz

 

[richntiff]

I’ve played in some pretty RF crowded environments with my Line6 G50. The ONLY time I’ve ever had issues is once when our sound guy, due to room restraints, had to set up immediately offstage to my left. My G50 was on my pedalboard, on the floor - probably 2 feet from sound guys QSC Touchmix with external router etc. I had some dropout issues and ended up going cabled. Other than that- it’s never been an issue. Wireless is great - but don’t buy a cheapie. Get a good quality unit and you’ll never look back.

 

[Tim de Martino]

I’ve played in some pretty RF crowded environments with my Line6 G50. The ONLY time I’ve ever had issues is once when our sound guy, due to room restraints, had to set up immediately offstage to my left. My G50 was on my pedalboard, on the floor - probably 2 feet from sound guys QSC Touchmix with external router etc. I had some dropout issues and ended up going cabled. Other than that- it’s never been an issue. Wireless is great - but don’t buy a cheapie. Get a good quality unit and you’ll never look back.

Interesting. I had the same problem last night. My wireless (Smooth Hound) was a couple feet from the Mixer and router. I was only getting 1/2 volume from it at best even though everything tested fine beforehand. I ended up using a cable too, this is good info to know, thanks.

 

[richntiff]

Interesting. I had the same problem last night. My wireless (Smooth Hound) was a couple feet from the Mixer and router. I was only getting 1/2 volume from it at best even though everything tested fine beforehand. I ended up using a cable too, this is good info to know, thanks.

In my situation I had zero connectivity. That’s why we carry spare everything lol!

 

[Geri O]

I've been strictly wireless for over 10 years now, thru literally thousands of shows - I have seen bandmates have FAR more troubles with their cables during that time period than I've ever had with any of my wireless systems... Frankly, I don't think you know what you're talking about - when you say:

"prone to interference from fluorescent lights, FM radio, cordless phones, "

... it's obvious that you haven't used a decent wireless unit...

Even with high-quality wirelessly, there’s good habits to develop that will help avoid those nasty fluorescent lights, cordless phones, LED fixtures, and stray (and possibly illegal) frequencies that can cause problems. Of course, the more expensive units offer a more robust transmitting system, error correction and monitoring, and distance. But there’s a lot of folks using all ranges of good, better, and best wireless units with great luck.

I use a $2100 (5 years ago) Lectrosonics wireless system. It’s the industrial units that you’ll see on mission-critical events like the Super Bowl. I was financially in the position to spend that kind of money and that’s what I wanted. Indistinguishable from a wire and bullet-proof. In over 5 years, I swear, it’s never, ever dropped out. However, and read this carefully...I don’t suggest everyone run out and spend that kind of money. It’s just not absolutely necessary. But I’m very satisfied that I did.

In the end, getting good wireless performance is as much or more about properly deploying your unit as much as the unit you choose to use. And it’s obvious that it can be done for MUCH less that $2100.